Self blame and self judgment can be destructive for parents and ultimately lead to isolation

Self blame and self judgment can be destructive for parents and ultimately lead to isolation.  

If your teen or young adult child has mental illness or drug or alcohol addiction, I know this can be especially hard.  

If you feel shame over the chaos, you may find it difficult to share what you’re going through with others, including those closest to you.  Fear of being judged may prevent you from opening up and may cause isolation.

Or maybe you have tried to share and those around you may wonder why you can’t fix the problem or change the circumstances so you begin to isolate.  

It is important to understand that it is not because of you that this is happening with your child.  

You did not cause the problem. 

And you don’t need to take their actions or choices personally.  They are not about you.  

When you can free yourself emotionally from self blame and judgment, you can begin to allow others into your world and find the support you need in your life so you no longer feel so alone.  

Sending love and light, 

Debbie